In a world dominated by #wellnessgoals plastered all over Instagram and TikTok, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of curating your life to fit into a perfect little social media box. We follow influencers who suggest life will be perfect if we just drink this much celery juice or practice that much hot yoga. But at some point, a very sensible question arises: What does wellness really mean for me? It’s a question that sent me on a journey to build a wellness routine not approved by social media, but by me and for me. It has been eye-opening, refreshing, and surprisingly human.
Finding Wellness Beyond Perfect Feeds
The Myth of the Perfect Routine
The idea of a perfect wellness routine is a common social media illusion. Influencers often portray schedules filled with morning yoga, meditation, green smoothies, and eight hours of sleep—concepts that sound wonderful but can feel daunting and sometimes, well, a tad unrealistic. According to most sources, the pressure these perceptions deliver can end up being more detrimental than beneficial (for more on this topic, see this analysis from Harvard Health).
To break free from these pressures, it’s crucial to start with understanding that wellness is not one-size-fits-all. It’s not about mimicking someone else’s list of rituals, but about finding what genuinely nourishes your mind, body, and soul.
Listening to Your Body and Mind
The first step away from the flashy feeds is to start listening to yourself. And I mean really listening—something that’s easier said than done. For me, this process began by observing when I felt my best. Was it after a brisk walk or a quiet read in the park? Asking the right questions can lead you toward a routine that is not only healthy but is sustainable long-term.
Studies have shown that when we listen to our bodies’ cues, we align more closely with our natural rhythms, which may lead to reduced stress and increased peace (Mayo Clinic).
Journaling: The Mindfulness Tool
One tool that helped solidify what wellness means to me was old-fashioned journaling. No, not bullet-journaling with calligraphy perfect enough to kickstart another Instagram post, but simple, raw writing. By keeping a daily log of my activities and feelings, I began to see patterns emerge. Certain habits like a late-night tea ritual or a midday meditation provided more clarity and calm than any trendy wellness advice ever did.
Crafting Personal Wellness Rules
The Importance of Tailored Goals
When setting personal wellness goals, specificity is key. Social media often broadcasts generic advice about well-being that can be more confusing than helpful. Your goals should be as individual as you are—focus on what truly matters in your day-to-day life. Perhaps getting enough sleep or spending more time outdoors energizes you and elevates your mood. Dedicate yourself to specific, measurable, and meaningful goals that align with your lifestyle.
Refining my personal objectives taught me to embrace unique priorities. Health professionals agree: wellness routines shouldn’t be rigid or modeled after an influencer's advice but should be flexible enough to adapt to personal changes and growth (Cleveland Clinic).
The Magic of 'No'
Social media often sells us on the idea that more is better—more workouts, more superfoods, more hustle. But real wellness sometimes means less. Saying 'no' to activities or habits that drain your energy or clash with your priorities can be one of the most empowering steps in creating a fulfilling routine. For instance, realizing that a week filled with too many social commitments left me feeling burned out was a revelation. By saying 'no' more often, I rediscovered balance and peace.
Schedule Digital Detox Days
Speaking of saying ‘no,’ sometimes the source of stress emanates directly from digital devices. Instituting a no-screen day—free from smartphones, tablets, and computers—has been transformative. On these days, instead of watching TikToks about wellness routines, I read a novel, take a walk, or experiment with a new recipe. The world feels close and real, not pixelated and filtered. In fact, studies suggest that regular digital detoxes can boost mental health and improve overall well-being (Psychology Today).
Redefining Success in Wellness
Inner Confidence Trumps External Validation
Developing inner confidence is essential for sustaining a unique wellness routine. It requires self-awareness, patience, and a commitment to prioritizing personal needs over external opinions. The age of digital influence makes it easy to seek validation, but real progress is often quieter and internal. It may not yield Instagram likes, but it will create a profound sense of self-fulfillment.
Flexibility: The Secret to Sustainability
Adhering to a rigid wellness routine can be unnecessarily stressful. A significant lesson from my journey has been learning the importance of flexibility. Life is erratic, and wellness should accommodate the ebb and flow of circumstances. On days when I found myself too tired to execute my typical routine, I chose to replace a high-intensity workout with a leisurely stroll, which served my body and mind better in that moment.
Nourishing the Soul
The food we eat, the activities we choose, our stress management, and even the company we keep—every element contributes to our overall wellness. Harvard Medical School points out that soul-nourishing habits, such as meaningful connections with others and personal fulfillment, energize and sustain wellness better than rigid schedules (Harvard).
Smart Moves
- Mindful Mornings: Start your day with five minutes of mindfulness instead of scrolling through social media.
- Empower 'No': Try saying 'no' to one commitment per week that doesn’t spark joy or help meet your goals.
- Solo Ventures: Schedule a day per month for a solo adventure or activity.
- Junk-Free Zones: Declare certain areas of your home as digital-free or junk-food-free zones.
- Glow Over Show: Focus on habits that make you glow internally, not just show externally.
Your Wellness, Your Way
Creating a wellness routine not found in an influencer’s highlight reel is liberating. It’s about learning to trust yourself and understanding that wellness is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. Listen to your body, be kind to your mind, and indulge in soul-fulfilling activities. You don’t need social media approval to be well. Craft a plan that honors you as you are and not as you are expected to be. If you do this, wellness won’t just be a routine; it will become an integral part of your life. And that’s a story worth sharing—on or off the grid.
